Patch Candidate Profile: Amy Mannion, Bethel Police Commission

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Democrat Amy Mannion is running for re-election to the Bethel Police Commission.

Education.

I earned my Master's Degree in Educational Psychology/Counselor Education from WCSU and have continued in post graduate classes. I earned my Undergrad Degree, a B.S. in Psychology from Mary Washington College (now University) in Virginia.

What is your occupation?

I have been a School Counselor in my 19th year. I have been working in Bethel at BMS for the past 13 years.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband and I are both lifelong Bethelites and we share 3 sons, ages 15, 13 and 10 who all attend Bethel public schools.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My father was involved in politics and was the State Rep for Bethel in the early 70s!

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have been twice elected to the Police Commission, of which I have been elected as Chairman. Previous to that, I was past elected to and served on the Board of Assessment Appeals and the Board of Education. I also serve as a longtime Justice of the Peace.

Why are you seeking this office?

I am seeking reelection because I want to continue the positive relationship that we have developed with the BPD. I have a deep passion for Bethel and work hard to unite our community and strive to make Bethel the best it can be while supporting our constituents and our dedicated police force at the same time. It is important to me to be the bridge between the community and the police and ensure that Bethel is a model of good policing and community partnership.
I am a good candidate because not only do I have 8 years experience, I both live and work in Bethel so I have first-hand knowledge of what our Bethel families are looking for from our PD as well as what kind of support our force needs to properly police our ever growing town.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue is making sure that we are able to have a fully staffed, trained and supported department and making sure that Bethel understands and values that need. I strive to continue my work to continue to strengthen the relationship and trust between our citizens and our police department. I also want to work to ensure our department has the necessary resources and funding to continue to effectively police in our ever growing community.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have many years experience on the Commission, I strive to work together with the entire Board and the PD to ensure that we are making decisions that best support Bethel. I also work closely with the PD in my roles on the District Confidential Crisis Team, The Regional Crisis Team, the Juvenile Review Board and my role in the adoption of State Guidelines for Swatting and the Statewide SRO research study.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

I will always address issues that surface about negative views of police and advocate to teach and educate about good policing and the positive impact that a department like Bethel's can have for our town. I also work to ensure bipartisan engagement in all of our work together.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

All of my previous and current work on this Commission as well as other elected positions, my high level of investment and involvement with all aspects of Bethel and our community members and my ability to work together and make bridges when needed.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

My Dad always taught me to never give up and that I could do anything I put my mind to. I have always lived with that belief!